Hello Common Rush Racer,
Welcome to the Common Rush Trail Run! This Saturday, July 23rd, you and close to 200 other trail runners will run 5 or 10 miles through scenic, forest covered courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt double-track, open field running, and beautiful lakeside single-track. Prepare for an excellent day on the trails and I wish you the best of luck!
Below is the race day info email, which contains detailed information on race weather, course conditions, parking, check-in, course marking, aid stations, post-race food, awards, giveaways, etc.
Schedule for race day, Saturday, July 23, 2022:
• Check-in / race bib pick-up from 6:45am-7:45am. Race day registration will be available.
• Race brief @ 7:50am
• Race start @ 8am SHARP
• Post-race food/beverage available starting @ 8:45am
• FREE kids ‘race for treasure’ (for kids 2-11) @ 9:45am
• Awards, giveaways, and push up contest @ 10:15am
Race Weather Forecast: The forecast as of 7/18 is calling for afternoon temps in the upper 90s, with abundant sunshine, and light winds. While we will beat the super-hot temps in the afternoon, it will still be warm in the morning and getting hot by the time we wrap up. The temps will be in the mid 70s at race start and then in the mid 80s to 90 by the time we wrap up around 11am. YOU SHOULD COME TO THE RACE WELL HYDRATED and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the race.
Beat the Heat:
• Drink Up: Each aid station and the finish line will have ice cold water and Gatorade. Come to the race well hydrated and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the event.
• Stay in the shade: Most of this race will be under the cover of the woods and we will have two big tents at the finish line to stay out of the sun. Also, we have arranged the staging area to take advantage of the available shade.
• Cool off: Pouring cold water on your head and neck feels oh so nice and is a great way to cool off. Each aid station will have plenty of ice cold water so drink up and pour away. Hand towels will also be available if you would like one.
• Keep tabs: Monitor yourself and if you feel like you are getting too hot, take a break and sit in the shade, preferably near an aid station where we have available resources.
Course Conditions: The trails at Harris Lake are in excellent condition and there is nothing in the forecast that would cause us to think that they will not be in great shape on race day. This is a relatively smooth course, but you will need to negotiate some rocks and roots along the way. Watch your footing!
Volunteers: Our events rely on the generous support from volunteers and we can still use the help of more volunteers. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event, and our sincere appreciation. Plus, volunteering is fun. If any of your friends/family would like to help out, please ask them to sign up online HERE.
Registration: If you have friends or family that have not signed up yet but intend to race, please let them know that online registration will close at 10pm on Friday, 7/22. Race day registration will be available for an extra $10. Sign up HERE.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of racers.
Venue Address: Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562
Parking and Staging: After entering the park, follow the ‘race parking’ signs. Park in the field near the Hog Run trailhead. Those arriving early will park closest to check-in, which is a short walk from the main parking area. Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. Our volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space. If and when all the space fills up near the staging area, vehicles will be directed to our overflow parking @ the Cypress Pavilion, which is a .2 mile walk to the staging area.
Check-in: Check-in will be open from 6:45am-7:45am and will take place in the field near the Hog Run trailhead. At check-in you will receive your bib number and t-shirt. Please arrive early to help alleviate backups. It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief. We recommend arriving by 7:15am at the latest.
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located near check-in and the race start
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin at 7:50am at the race start area, on the gravel road near check-in.
Race Start: The 5 and 10 mile races will begin together at 8am SHARP.
Race Courses: Providing easy passing, this one-loop 5.5 mile and two-loop 10.0 mile course begins with .5 miles of wide gravel, pavement, and dirt road running. After this beginning section, athletes run along a combination of wide dirt road double-track, open meadows, and forested single-track, much of it with gorgeous lake views. While this course is comprised primarily of single-track trails, it is not overly tight, so there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout. With only minimal root and rock filled technical terrain and only 211′ and 397′ of elevation gain for the 5 mile and 10 mile courses, respectively, this race will be fast and fun.
To view interactive course details and elevation profiles for each course, click on the links below:
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout the course, some of the single-track trails at Harris Lake are narrow and passing may be difficult. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race, there is about .5 miles of wide gravel, pavement, and dirt road before entering the single-track. So, it is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line, with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear. Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced. Overtaking racers should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible, slower racers should allow them to pass. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the overtaking racer to pass safely.
Course Marking: The course will be marked with red, yellow, or pink laminated arrows at all turns or areas of decision and pint surveyor’s tape tied to branches between points of decision. Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes. Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow. There is one main road crossing during this race right near the finish. Before this road crossing, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THIS ROAD.
5 Mile / 10 Mile Split: After Aid #3 @ 5.1M, 5 milers will head to the finish and 10 milers will start their second lap. Look for signs and listen to the course marshal. YOUR BIB MUST BE VISIBILE FROM THE FRONT SO THE COURSE MARSHAL CAN SEE WHICH RACE YOU ARE RUNNING.
Mile Markers: Mile markers will be located at every aid station as well as one mile from the finish and ½ mile from the finish. Keep in mind that these signs will be for both 5 mile and 10 milers so when you see two signs at the aid stations, the longer distance is for the 10 milers on their second lap. For instance, you will see 1.8M and 6.5M signage at Aid #1/Aid#4.
Aid Stations: Remember to ARRIVE HYDRATED AND STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with ice cold water and Gatorade. Pouring cold water on your head and neck is a great way to cool off! Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10M course has six aid stations at 1.8M, 3.5M, 5.1M, 6.5M, 8.2M, and 9.6M. The 5M has three aid stations at 1.8M, 3.5M, and 5.1M. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. Cold water bottles will handed to all races when crossing the finish line, and a full aid station with cold water and Gatorade will be available as well.
NO EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event. Why, you may ask? Well, for the following three reasons:
• Safety – we need to look out for each other! Our courses are held on trails in remote areas. If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response. Racers must be alert at all times.
• Courtesy – trail races are very different than road races. Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on single-track trails. To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left. Passing someone who can’t hear you is difficult and frustrating.
• Community – at Roadless Races we strive to build community. Please use your time with us to unleash yourself from your device, enjoy the sounds of nature, talk to people, make some friends, and have fun.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera will be at the race capturing the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event, and we will send you an email when they are ready. Smile big when you see Mario out on the course!
Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Cardinal Race Services are timing this race. Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib. Please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts. Results will be posted on-site and on runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event.
Recovery and Medical Tent: Dr. Greg Summerville and his team of medical pros from UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro will be on site offering their expert medical care to our athletes and assisting with any needed emergency response. Stop by their tent after the race to assist with recovery or to patch up any boo boos. Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro!
Post-Race Food: Water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beer will be available after the race. Food includes yummy sliders from Breakaway Café, fruit, trail bars, chips, cookies, chocolate, etc. Complimentary food and beverages will be available at the finish line for all racers and volunteers. Also, for two weeks after the race, show your race bib to the folks at Breakaway and take 10% off your order. Thank you, Breakaway Café for your support and for providing the delicious sliders!
Athletic Brewing Company: Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer: A cold beer hits the spot after a race and now you can enjoy a tasty post-race craft beverage that doesn’t compromise your ability to stay sharp and healthy. After the race, grab an Athletic Brewing Company beer and enjoy! Also, take 10% off your first order of ABC beer when you order online using code RR10. Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 9:45am, kids aged 2-11 are invited to participate in the Kids Race for Treasure. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!! All kids are welcome to participate, and parents are encouraged to line the ‘race course’ to cheer them on. We will match kids in age groups (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in an open area near the staging area. After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!
Awards and Giveaways: The awards ceremony will take place at 10:15am. Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates and race swag) will be presented to the top five M/F overall finishers in each distance. We will announce the overall winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards. Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) will be given to the top three M/F age group competitors for each distance. Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Age group winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table. After all award winners have been given their pint glass, we will get a large group photo with all the overall and age group award winners. In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome stuff to give away from our sponsors!
Gift Certificates, Swag, and Discount from Fleet Feet: Building community and helping their customers reach their running goals is what Fleet Feet is all about. Thank you so much to Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways. Bring your race bib into the Carrboro or Durham Fleet Feet, take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Push-Up Contest and Running Shoe Giveaway from Brandon Jozwiak of Nest Realty: Local real estate pro, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, has provided some sweet swag for us to give away at the race, including two pair of running shoes, which will be up for grabs as random giveaways. Also, he is providing more nice stuff to give away at the push up contest. Yes, we said push up contest! Anyone that participates in the contest will win a prize and the top two M/F participants who are left ‘standing’ at the end will win an awesome prize such as backpacks or Goodr sunglasses. A big THANK YOU to Brandon for generously supplying these awesome prizes.
Awesome Sponsors: THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community. Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can. Athletic Brewing Company, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, Breakaway Café, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, and UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Common Rush Trail Run.
We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action and we can’t wait to see you at the race.
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
